Causeway To Get New Toll Collection System

NEW ORLEANS, La. (AP) — Work should begin in three weeks on a new toll collection system for the Causeway bridge across Lake Pontchartrain.

A March lightning strike damaged the current system. The Causeway Commission is negotiating a $2.5 million contract for the replacement.

General Manager Carlton Dufrechou (doo fre SHOW) told WWL-TV (http://bit.ly/LIdd7c ) that the system should speed up traffic on the bridge by better reading toll tags. The Causeway is used by 40,000 cars daily.

Dufrechou said that after a fifth lane is added, equipment will be replaced in one existing lane at a time, keeping four lanes open at all time. Most work is expected to be done outside of rush hours. The project is expected to be completed by March.